Rival football fans in Sheffield issued with banning orders

Rival football fans who clashed outside a Sheffield city centre bar have been banned from attending matches.

Fans of Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday were involved in a mass brawl described as ‘mindless and organised violence’ outside the Bessemer pub, Leopold Street, last August.

Detective Inspector Graham Bulmer said: “The disorder has been described in court as mindless and organised violence.

“The majority of these men have now been banned from a game they profess to be fans of. This should send out a stark message to anyone intent on engaging in violence at football matches – you will be identified and prosecuted.

“This mindless violence caused fear and alarm among members of the public who witnessed it, but has also had a drain on police resources.

A total of 16 men and a teenager, who admitted a public order offence, were sentenced at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court.